The 5 things young soccer players must stay disciplined at to play at a high level

Cruz Coaching
Cruz Coaching Blog
Published in
4 min readNov 13, 2022

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Article Written By Keion Joseph (Coach Cruz)

There are many things young soccer players need to do to reach a high level of play. Discipline is one of the most critical aspects that athletes should notice. Players must stay disciplined in every area of their lives to succeed on the pitch. Here are five things young soccer players must remain disciplined at to play at a high level.

Eat healthily and get plenty of rest.

Processed foods, seed oils, and sugar are some of the worst offenders regarding poor eating habits. They’re loaded with empty calories and linked to various health problems, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and cancer. If you’re serious about eating healthy, you need to cut back on these unhealthy foods and focus on incorporating more whole foods into your diet. In addition to eating healthy, getting plenty of rest is also essential for maintaining your health. When you’re well-rested, your body is better able to fight off illness and stay strong. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough sleep each night. If you’re struggling to get enough rest, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your sleep habits:

  1. Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
  2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you wind down before going to sleep.
  3. Avoid watching television or using electronic devices in bed, as the blue light emitted by these devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle.

Following these tips ensures you’re getting the rest you need to stay healthy and perform your best.

Stay hydrated before, during, and after games.

Dehydration is a real risk for athletes, especially during hot weather conditions. It’s essential to make sure you’re drinking enough fluids before, during, and after games or practices. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, starting with a glass or two in the morning. Carry water with you during games or practices and take small sips often. And be sure to drink more after activity until your urine is light yellow. If you wait until you’re thirsty to drink, you’re already dehydrated, so don’t wait! Staying hydrated will help your performance and help you avoid heat illness.

Respect coaches, teammates, referees, and opponents

In sports, it’s essential always to respect your coaches, teammates, referees, and opponents. Your coach is the one who puts in the time and effort to develop game plans and strategies, so you should always listen to and follow their instructions. Your teammates rely on you to execute those game plans, so it’s essential to have their trust and support. The referees are the ones who enforce the rules of the game, so it’s necessary to show them respect even if you disagree with their calls. And finally, your opponents are the ones you’re trying to beat, but at the end of the day, they’re just like you — they’re trying to win. So it’s important to respect them as well. In short, respect is a fundamental part of sportsmanship and is crucial for everyone involved in the game.

Control emotions — don’t get mad or frustrated quickly.

One of the essential life skills is learning how to control emotions. It’s perfectly normal to feel a wide range of emotions, but it’s necessary to be able to manage them healthily. People who can control their feelings tend to be more successful and more likely to maintain strong relationships. There are a few key things to remember when trying to control emotions:

  1. It’s essential to stay aware of how you’re feeling. If you can catch yourself before you start to feel overwhelmed, it will be easier to keep your emotions in check.
  2. Try to take a step back and perspective the situation. It can be helpful to ask yourself whether the emotion you’re feeling is proportionate to the problem.
  3. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling to cope.

Talk to a trusted friend or family member, or seek professional help. Learning to control emotions is a valuable life skill that will pay off in the long run.

Practice regularly and Find A Trainer

Practice is the key to success in any sport. The more you practice, the better you will become at the skills you need to excel in your chosen sport. However, it is not enough to go through the motions. To improve, you need to focus on quality over quantity. That means practicing with a purpose and working on specific skills. Finding a trainer who can help you reach your full potential is also essential. If you are serious about becoming a top athlete, you need to find a trainer to help you reach your goals. A good trainer will teach you the proper techniques and push you to work hard and stay motivated.

Many young athletes overlook the importance of eating healthy and getting plenty of rest. These two things are essential for peak performance on the field. In addition, you are staying hydrated before, during, and after games is key to preventing injuries and fatigue. All players should respect coaches, teammates, referees, and opponents — this includes controlling emotions so that you don’t get mad or frustrated quickly. Practicing regularly and listening to coaches will help you improve your skills and play your best when it matters most. Are you struggling with any of these disciplines? Comment below and let us know how we can help you be a better athlete!

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Cruz Coaching
Cruz Coaching Blog

Founder of Cruz Coaching • Youth Soccer Coach • Soccer Skills Development Specialist • 12 yrs Coaching Experience • Social Influencer with over 150k fan base.